An important question - New to the community

[J T]

Hello chameleonforums,

I used to read lots of books about chameleons when I was younger, as I had always dreamed of one day owning, and caring for one of my own(my mom wouldn't let me have a lizard that ate bugs:/). But now, age 24, living with my girlfriend, I thought it was time to finally look in to getting my dream pet. Okay, well, to make a long story short, a few months ago we found out we have a baby on the way. My girlfriend's mom is a nurse specializing in new born baby care(awesome for us considering the circumstances). But she told me recently that she believes lizards should NOT be kept in a household with children under the age of 5. So now I'm crushed lol. If it's true, then I have to live without a cham of my own for a few more years. But I just wanted to research further into this whole salmonella thing in relationship to chameleons, as maybe it is different than what she said for chams specifically. I haven't found anything helpful, so this forum seemed like a good bet. There is a lot of useful information here that I have read already. Anyway, I hope someone with sure knowledge on this can answer my question!

Thanks!

 

[jannb]

Welcome to the chameleon forums. As long as you practice good hygiene, I see no reason why you can not have a baby and a chameleon. There's plenty of members here with children under 5 years old.

 

[J T]

Thank you jannb. That is quite a relief. I am reading more into the hygiene aspect and it sounds very promising if anyone else has any other tidbits of information on this issue please share!

 

[ridgebax1]

Unless you are going to keep them in the same enclosure, there is no reason not to have a chameleon and a baby too. Just realize they are both expensive! I am an RN with almost 40 years of experience and 35 of those years in maternal child health. Should not be a problem.

 

[scout83]

I have a veiled and a 10 week old little boy and have no problems we live in a two bedroom apartment and every time my little boy has a check up he's perfect just keep his enclosure clean and you can have your dream pet I was a lot like u I love my Cham just do your homework on them and your be fine

 

[Lathis]

Just wash your hands... before you handle your chameleon! (Buh dum tss!)

 

[ChameleonMom]

When I bought my first Cham 7 years ago I soon found out AFTER buying her that I was pregnant. My Dr. advised against cleaning her cage but other than practicing good hygiene, I was fine. My son is now (almost) six and has been raised right alongside my family of chameleons and has never, not once had a health issue arising from contact with them!

 

[ridgebax1]

Perhaps she was thinking of turtles and the issues with salmonella. Even then with good hand washing it will be fine. She probably has more germs on her uniform than a cham's whole body. Hospitals are cesspools! All of my friends will change out of their scrubs before contacting their children. Of all the reptiles I bet chameleons are one of the cleanest.

 

[J T]

Thank you everyone for your help I am continuing to research everything I can on chameleons, and going to be looking to purchase a male(not sure which species yet) in the next couple months. If I have anymore questions, I will be sure to look to this well educated forum first for my answers

Thanks again!

JT

 

[Mijah139]

If you purchase a CB(captive bred) cham, the only bacteria/viruses it will have been introduced to are the ones you allow it to that being said, stay away from WC(wild caught) chams as they are more likely to carry infections

 

[shmeenakoz]

Just as long as you use a regular (try to stay clear of antibacterial) soap when you wash your hands there wont be any problems. Just think of it as handling chicken if you will. I am new to the Cham world too but I study clinical microbiology. You, your family and the cham will be just fine! Best of luck

 

[mcanham]

Keep in mind this is grandma we are speaking about. She is going to be very cautious and concerned about the well being of her grandchild. Which is a good thing. I see no concern with this. Chicken, eggs, pork and the like all have the potential to harbor disease, but with proper cleaning habits they cause no problem. Good luck and be sure to include your child in the process. Raising a chameleon is the best biology lesson you can give.